Collective Agreements & Bargaining

What is a Collective Agreement?

A collective agreement is a legally binding contract between a union and an employer. It is the result of collective bargaining, where union representatives and the employer negotiate the terms and conditions of work on behalf of employees.

The collective agreement sets out the rights and responsibilities of both employees and the employer. It covers topics such as:

• Wages and salary scales – how pay is determined and when increases occur.
• Hours of work – including schedules, overtime rules, and rest periods.
• Benefits – such as health coverage, pensions, and leaves.
• Job security and seniority – how promotions, layoffs, or recalls are handled.
• Workplace rights – protections against discrimination or unfair treatment.
• Grievance procedures – a process for resolving disagreements about the contract.
• Management rights – ensures the employer does not exercise its managerial rights in a manner that is inconsistent with the collective agreement, or act in a manner that is arbitrary, discriminatory, or in bad faith.

Because it is a legally enforceable contract, both the employer and employees are required to follow the terms of the collective agreement. It provides a framework for fairness, consistency, and accountability in the workplace, ensuring that employees know their rights and employers know their obligations.

Our Collective Agreements (CA)

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